Floor panel and method for the manufacture thereof

A floor panel from which, together with other identical or similar floor panels, a floor covering can be formed, said floor panel comprising layers including a top layer forming a decorative surface and a panel top side, and at least one sound-absorbing layer which is integrated into the floor panel and is located between other layers of the floor panel;

• wherein apart from the sound absorbing layer and the top layer, at least a first structural basic layer comprising a wood-based material is provided;
• wherein the sound-absorbing layer is a compressible, vibration absorbing cork-based;
• wherein said first structural basic layer is situated below the sound-absorbing layer, such that the sound-absorbing layer is located between said top layer and said first structural basic layer;
• wherein the panel along at least two of its edges includes mechanical coupling parts enabling vertical as well as horizontal locking between coupled similar panels, said coupling parts being formed integrally in one piece with said first structural basic layer;
• wherein said first structural basic layer has a higher strength and is less compressible than the sound-absorbing layer;
• wherein said decorative surface comprises one of an illustration printed onto said cork-based material and a veneer;
• wherein a transparent varnish or coating is applied for finishing said top side.